Friday, May. 16, 2008

Pastors' Corner

We have been attending the fair in Los Banos for a number of years, but this was the first time my wife and I watched the cows and the heifers being shown. I haven't had a whole lot of experience with livestock. So when we ran into some friends whose daughter was involved in the competition, we decided to watch the event and learn about something new.

That choice we made turned out to be a good one. To be honest, I couldn't see any value in watching what I imagined as beauty pageant for cows. But my decision to stop this time and watch the event this year surprised me. This competition was more about the person showing the animal, than the animal itself. I had not only been ignorant of what the event was about, I was pretty convinced I wasn't going to like it.

Sometimes we are faced with choosing between little things like, what to do with our day at the Fair; should I look at the exhibits, go on a carnival ride or watch the livestock competition? And depending on what is at stake, making a decision can be tough at times. Because at its root, when we make a decision, we are committing ourselves to a solution that will end the uncertainty we face.

A true decision requires us to stop vacillating and commit to a choice. Sometimes in life we are faced with greater decisions like choosing which school to attend, which person to marry or what job offer should I accept? Every person's situation is a little different. We won't all face exactly the same choices in this life. But there is one decision we all must make, "What will I do with Jesus?"

On occasion people will tell me, "Oh, I don't believe in Jesus or God."

I am reminded of the person I knew who didn't believe in doctors. At least that was the way they expressed their decision not to seek medical attention for their illness. But doctors do exist and they very probably could have helped this person if given the chance. The sad end to this story is that after much coaching from their friends this person was hospitalized; where they were seen by doctors, who could only watch as they died.

What will I do with Jesus? Will I choose to allow him to save me from evil in my life or will I declare, "I don't believe in Jesus?" Will I seek his remedy for the pain that I am in or will I wait until it is too late and wish I would have sought his grace? The choice is ours.

If you do choose Jesus today, I have some information you may find helpful as you begin your faith journey with our Lord. Just send me your name and address to mercysprings@clearwire.net and I will gladly send you the booklet, "Steps to Peace with God" at no charge.

John Rusk

Pastor, Mercy Springs Church of the Nazarene

John Rusk Pastor, Mercy Springs Church of the Nazarene